ORPIK NOTE
Brooks Orpik, who participated in today's skate, did not speak with the media following practice. Head coach Dan Bylsma declined to provide an update on Orpik, who has missed the last five games with an undisclosed injury, other than saying "that was a morning skate participation."

WEDNESDAY'S HEADLINES
While we wait for the skates to get underway, check out yesterday's headlines on pittsburghpenguins.com...

PENGUINS' IMPROVED RESOLVE ON DISPLAY
During the first round against Columbus, defenseman Rob Scuderi said the Penguins, a team that carries a heavy burden of pressure and expectations with the talent they have on their roster, was sometimes held back by the fear of losing.

That was epitomized during three games in particular, where the Pens either blew or nearly blew big leads. In Game 2 against Columbus, the Penguins were up 3-1 and ended up losing 4-3. In Game 4, the Penguins were up 3-0 and ended up losing 4-3 in overtime – blowing their chance to take a 3-1 series strangehold and instead evening it up at 2-2.

And in Game 6 vs. Columbus, with a chance to close out the series, the Penguins had a 4-0 lead in the third period. They then allowed Columbus to score three quick goals to make it a one-goal game and nearly force a Game 7, but the Pens were somehow able to hold on and escape with the win.

“I think that we care so much that nobody wants to be the guy to screw up,” defenseman Matt Niskanen said afterward. “We just, lately, have been forgetting to play the game. We stop moving our feet and just slap the puck around. ... A win’s a win and we win the series, but we’ll have to talk about that.”

They have been talking about it, as head coach Dan Bylsma said Tuesday – and it looks like they’ve remembered how to play the game.

LETANG LEADING FROM BLUE LINE
After the Penguins lost Game 1 of their Second Round Stanley Cup playoff matchup with the New York Rangers, the team desperately needed to win Game 2 to avoid a home sweep.

Pittsburgh needed its best players to step up more than ever. And that’s exactly what happened.
Much has already been written about the standout performances of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as well as the contributions of others.

But one player that really helped change the course of this series was defenseman Kris Letang.

START THE DAY
Good morning hockey fans! Tonight the Pens battle the Rangers in Game 4 of their Second Round playoff series. Pittsburgh enters the contest with a 2-1 series lead. Here are some game notes to get you ready...

Tonight the Penguins and New York Rangers play Game 4 (TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: 105.9 the X) at Madison Square Garden.

The Penguins are 25-27 all time in Game 4s, including a 17-15 road mark.

With its win on Monday night, the Penguins improved to 18-5 against the Rangers in the playoffs, including an 8-2 mark at Madison Square Garden.

The Penguins have won six of their last eight games at MSG including the regular season.

Including the regular season, the Penguins are 11-4 at MSG under head coach Dan Bylsma.